BASKETBALL INDIANS TO BE HONORED FRIDAY NIGHT

It all started at midnight on Oct. 16.

About 2,000 Southeast Missouri State University basketball fans showed up at the Show Me Center to officially kick off the season, a season that was filled with optimism.

On Friday, fans will have an opportunity to thank the Indians for turning optimism into reality.

After an unprecedented season, the university, along with the Southeast Missourian, will sponsor a "Championship Celebration" at the Show Me Center. The public is invited to the event, which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.

The celebration comes in the aftermath of the university's first NCAA tournament appearance at the Division I level.

The Indians, who won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship for the first time in school history, also shared a piece of the OVC regular-season crown, its best conference finish ever.

The Indians, a No. 13 seed in the West region, lost in the first round of the tournament 64-61 to heavily favored Louisiana State University, a No. 4 seed, in Salt Lake City. Southeast's final record of 24-7 was also the school's best since moving up to Division I.

There will be no cost to attend the rally. There will also be free food and drinks and a highlight video of the team. The team will be introduced along with the coaching staff. In addition, Southeast's cheerleaders and Sundancers will be on hand.

"We're planning for 500 people, but if we have more we'll deal with it," said Diane Sides of university relations. "We'd love to have more."